From 2nd to 5th May 2025, 42 GCSE History students accompanied by five members of staff embarked on an unforgettable educational trip to Berlin, immersing themselves in the city’s rich and complex past.
The group began with a walking tour of Berlin, taking in iconic landmarks and gaining a sense of the city’s historical geography. Students were able to see the remnants of the Berlin Wall and learn about the contrasting experiences of life in East and West Berlin.
A visit to the DDR Museum brought Cold War history to life, offering an interactive experience of everyday life in East Germany. The group also visited the Otto Weidt Museum, which tells the remarkable story of a man who risked everything to protect his Jewish employees during the Nazi regime. Otto Weidt, a Berlin brush manufacturer employed and protected blind and deaf Jewish workers during the Nazi era. Through original documents, photographs, and personal testimonies, students gained a deeper understanding of individual acts of resistance and courage during the Holocaust.
A sobering and powerful morning was spent at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, where students reflected on the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The visit to the Palace of Tears (Tränenpalast) deepened their understanding of divided Germany and the emotional impact of enforced separation on families during the Cold War.
The group also had the opportunity to visit the Reichstag, exploring Germany’s modern political heart while considering its turbulent past. The trip concluded with a visit to the Asisi Panorama, a stunning 360-degree installation recreating life along the Berlin Wall in the 1980s. The detailed artwork and accompanying soundscape transported students into the divided city, offering a unique and deeply human view of life during the Cold War.
Throughout the trip, students engaged thoughtfully with the sites and asked insightful questions, demonstrating both maturity and respect. This immersive experience not only enhanced their understanding of 20th Century history, but also left a lasting impression on all who took part.
Miss Kilburn, Head of History and Politics
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